Senior Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati had remained absent in Naba Sankalpa camp which gave rise to a spurt in speculations.Bahinipati on Thursday cleared the air on why he was not able to take part in the camp. Scorching heat made him sick while campaigning for Brajarajnagar bypoll for which he skipped the camp held on Monday.
Bahnipati said “Rallying in motorcycle and taking part in party meetings as part of Brajarajnagar election campaigning, especially in the sizzling heat was really tough. I developed gastric tendencies which again led to chest pain. Doctors after checking me advised I take complete rest. That’s why I had to skip Naba Sankalpa camp. After all, body and family come first before politics.”
On being asked whether he is unhappy as he was not appointed as the new Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president, he said, “I had already shared my thoughts with Congress President Rahul Gandhi in this regard. I have no demands. If I am given the charge, I won’t deny but I would never ask for the post.”